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Core Stability: What is It?

There's a lot of talk about "core stability" but what is it? And what does it have to do with the legs and injuries? That's the topic of this article by a group of physical therapists.

Core stability is defined differently by various groups. There's agreement that the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip joints are the center of the "core." This area is called the lumbopelvic-hip complex.

Stability in any part of the body means all the structures hold steady and don't buckle under force or pressure. Core stability in the human body refers to the ability of the structures to keep the spine firmly in place.

The spine stays steady as the human body changes postures. It withstands all kinds of loads so that the spine acts as a stable base for movement of the arms and legs.

The authors take a look at studies linking lower extremity injuries with core function. They found that leg injuries decrease core stability and vice versa. Core weakness may lead to lower extremity injury. These researchers think that lower extremity injuries may be prevented in athletes with core training.

References: John D. Willson, MSPT, et al. Core Stability and Its Relationship to Lower Extremity Function and Injury. In Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. September 2005. Vol. 13. No. 5. Pp. 316-325.

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